What We Left in the Dark

Thirty

Cat was deep into her work when the buzz of her phone snapped her back to reality. She blinked, her eyes adjusting to the real world as she reached for her phone. Luca's name flashed across the screen, and her pulse quickened involuntarily. She opened the message, already bracing herself.

"Free tonight? Need a date for a gala."

Cat paused, her thoughts immediately darting back to Gian's warning from the night before. She hesitated, unsure whether getting involved in this would only lead to more complications. She didn't want to provoke Giancarlo's wrath, but a part of her was curious, drawn to Luca in a way she couldn't entirely explain.

After a brief moment, she typed out her reply: "I'm honored, Luca, but I don't think I can go. I don't have anything to wear."

It was a polite letdown, she thought. A valid excuse that wouldn't cause friction. She set the phone down, feeling a sense of relief—until it buzzed again less than 30 seconds later.

"Sending a few dresses to your house. They'll be there when you get off work. Would prefer if you wore red. I'll pick you up at 8."

Her stomach tightened. Luca's decisiveness left little room for argument, and with the dresses on the way, she knew her gentle refusal was useless. It wasn't lost on her that this wasn't a request—it was a plan.

She glanced at the clock and realized it was nearing 5 PM. Resigning herself to the evening ahead, she started packing up her things, knowing she wouldn't be able to focus if she stayed at her desk any longer.

Just as she stood to leave, she ran into her managing partner.

"Early night?" he quipped with a grin.

Cat smiled back, unbothered by the implied critique. "Yeah, I've got a gala tonight. Should be interesting."

"Well, enjoy yourself. You've earned it," he said warmly, his smile reassuring.

With a grateful nod, she left the office, heading to the ferry. The cool wind whipped across her face, tugging at her hair, but her mind was elsewhere. She couldn't help but think of both Luca and Gian. They were two forces pulling her in opposite directions, and she had no idea which way to go.

When she finally reached her apartment, her breath hitched at the sight of a large box sitting at her door. A note was taped on top: For Catalina—From Luca Ricci.

Rolling her eyes at the use of his full name, her mind wandered, playing with the idea of what it would be like to have a new last name. Catalina Ricci. The thought made her laugh aloud, mostly in disbelief. And who would she get it from? Luca? Gian? The idea felt both ridiculous and strangely intoxicating.

Shaking her head to rid herself of those musings, she grabbed the box and hurried inside. Once in her living room, she dumped its contents onto the couch.

Eight gowns in a range of colors spilled out, all beautiful, but her eyes were drawn to only one—the deep red dress. She picked it up, feeling the smooth, unadorned fabric between her fingers. It was sleek, simple yet bold, with a cinched waist and a daring slit that rose scandalously high. She knew Luca would love it.

With a sigh, Cat retreated to the bedroom to try it on. It was snug, and she muttered a few curses as she struggled with the zipper, but eventually, it slid into place. She stood in front of the mirror, her breath catching at the reflection staring back at her. The dress hugged every curve, accentuating her figure in a way that made her feel powerful—yet vulnerable.

The slit rode dangerously high, making her chuckle. Normally, she'd shy away from something this revealing, but tonight, she was determined to be bold.

After curling her hair and applying a dramatic touch of makeup, Cat was ready. At 7:55, the doorbell rang. She glanced at herself one last time in the mirror before opening the door.